A while back LeadCouncil found a great deal on Bates combat boots and I picked up a pair. However, I've got a bone spur or something on my right heel that makes it painful to wear any shoes that come up more than an inch or so in the back, so the boots were kind of painful to wear. We've been doing a fair amount of mushrooming this year because it allows us to get out of the house, not have to worry about social distancing, get some exercise for us & the hound, etc., etc. So I've been wearing either the Bates or a pair of older ankle high boots I've had for years. Both hurt to wear, like jamming an index finger into a bone bruise kind of hurt.
Enter "
Natracure Gel Callous Pads" and good socks. I searched for something that could offer some relief from the pain of wearing the boots, and I was not disappointed. I tried them yesterday and it was night & day better. Typically, my foot would hurt for a few days after an outing, and today, I'll admit, there's a bit of pain, but that's it, just a bit. And walking in the forest yesterday, there was virtually no pain, even when climbing up and down slopes (uphill hurt the most).
They come in pairs, but I really only need one. They're sort of U-shaped silicone (?) pads that are self-adhesive. You peel off the plastic backing (make sure not to throw it away, you'll need it later), then apply it around the bone spur that you want to protect. While they're sticky, you only get one chance to get them to stick firmly, after that the body oils (?) will make them less sticky. However, I was able to get it on, then immediately cover it carefully with my sock and it stayed in position nicely. I can't say enough about how big of a difference these things make. If you're dealing with corns, bone spurs, callouses, etc., give these things a try and see if they don't help you.
After you take off your boots, peel off the gel, and wash it with dish soap and let it air dry. Once dry, put it back on the plastic backing to preserve stickiness and they're ready to use again. No idea how long they'll last, but for $8-$9 to get rid of really annoying pain, I'll be ordering some more to make sure I have some in our traveling bags.
Two thumbs up.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SH ... UTF8&psc=1